Therapeutic Reflexology Series for
Massage Therapists

Reflexology is an established holistic modality that is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) as a body-based practice. It is non-invasive and supports the body's ability to balance and restore health. Benefits include stress reduction, detoxification, hormonal balance, lymphatic flow, blood circulation, quicker healing, mental alertness, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced response to massage, chiropractic adjustments and other forms of bodywork. Research with reflexology in cancer treatment, hospice work, drug addiction, auto-immune support, fertility work, pain management, weight management and stress reduction in disease prevention are a few areas being explored today.

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Therapeutic Reflexology

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This series of 4 courses, based on the traditional Ingham method, is designed for massage therapy students and practitioners. These courses may be used as core curriculum for national certification with the American Reflexology Certification Board. Levels I - III and the Advanced Practicum are approved for continuing education by the NCBTMB.

Series Overview:
Reflexology history and theories
Mapping of the feet and hands
Contraindications
Thumbwalking and relaxation techniques
Reflexology anatomy & physiology
Business ethics and scope of practice
Reflexes and protocols for specific conditions
Documentation skills
Basic foot assessment: observation and palpation
Supervised clinical practice
Certificate of completion and CEs awarded for levels I - III and Advanced Practicum

Therapeutic Reflexology Level I - 12 CE hours
This course introduces modern reflexology based on the traditional Ingham Method. It covers the scope of reflexology history and theories, benefits, contraindications and possible effects. Level I presents the foot mapping system, thumb-walking and basic relaxation techniques, and proper hand placement for implementing these techniques. Participants receive hands-on instruction and perform supervised practice with partners. 

Therapeutic Reflexology Level II - 12 CE hours
In Level II, students examine the anatomy of the foot, learn reflexes associated with each muscle group, and identify direct and helper reflexes/protocols for specific conditions like arthritis, constipation, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, insomnia, kidney stones, migraines, and multiple sclerosis. Students practice session fundamentals and documentation, receive hands-on instruction and perform supervised practice with partners. 

Therapeutic Reflexology Level III - 12 CE hours
Level III covers advanced techniques and hand reflexology. Students also learn reflexology business practices and basic foot assessment skills. Hands-on instruction and supervised practice with partners is included. 

Therapeutic Reflexology Advanced Practicum - 12 CE hours
After successfully completing Levels I - III, students may participate in a 2-day advanced practicum. In this practicum, students perform supervised foot reflexology sessions and receive feedback on hand placement, techniques, pacing and pressure.  

Reflexology Quiz

Take my Therapeutic Reflexology series and answer these questions with confidence. Answers found at the bottom of the page.

Are the statements below TRUE or FALSE?
(1) Reflexology is a foot massage.
(2) Modern reflexology was developed in China.
(3) Reflexology is based on the meridian system.
(4) The minimum training hours a Certified Reflexologist should have is 60 hours.
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(5) In the photo above, the arrows are pointing out reflex helper areas for:
(a) acid reflux
(b) TMJ
(c) chest congestion
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(6) During your initial foot assessment, you notice a callus on the hallux (see photo above). Based on the callus location, you ask if the client has chronic...
(a) shoulder stiffness
(b) constipation
(c) neck stiffness
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(7) The X in the photo above marks a reflex that may help:
(a) hemorrhoids
(b) kidney stone
(c) tennis elbow
(8) Your client has sinusitis. Which of the following is NOT a helper reflex for her condition:
(a) adrenals reflex
(b) ovaries reflex
(c) ileocecal valve reflex
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(9) During your initial foot assessment, you notice calluses on the foot (see outlined areas in photo above). Based on the callus location, you ask if the client has chronic...
(a) shoulder stiffness
(b) constipation
(c) neck stiffness

(10) If your client has the following health challenges -  digestive issues, allergies, and a history of bronchitis - which area of the spinal reflexes would you emphasize during the session:
(a) cervical reflexes
(b) thoracic reflexes
(c) lumbar reflexes
Answers: The first 4 questions are FALSE; (5) b; (6) c; (7) a; (8) b; (9) a; (10) b